Catalog September 2020 - June 2021 - North Bennet Street ...

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Catalog September 2020 - June 2021 - North Bennet Street ...
Catalog September 2020 – June 2021
Published September 2019. NBSS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission
             of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). All images by NBSS.
Catalog September 2020 - June 2021 - North Bennet Street ...
A Good Life, Built by Hand 3

    An Education in Craftsmanship 11

         Full-Time Programs 12

      Meaningful Work and Life 31

Application Information and Procedures 34

         Academic Calendar 40

                Apply 41
Catalog September 2020 - June 2021 - North Bennet Street ...
North Bennet Street School’s mission is to train
                                                students for careers in traditional trades that use hand
                                                skills in concert with evolving technology, to preserve
                                                and advance craft traditions, and to promote greater
                                                appreciation of craftsmanship.

                                                The School’s intensive, hands-on training helps students
                                                from around the world to achieve meaningful lives
                                                and livelihoods. We encourage individual growth
                                                and curiosity, along with technical mastery and a
                                                commitment to excellence.

                                                NBSS was founded in 1881 in Boston as North Bennet
                                                Street Industrial School. The School’s original mission
                                                was to assist immigrants as they adjusted to their new
                                                country by providing the training needed for gainful
                                                employment. Pauline Agassiz Shaw, the School’s
                                                founder, was committed to teaching a wide variety of
                                                skills and providing social services such as educating
                                                children in kindergarten programs, recreational activities,
                                                and prevocational and trade training. Vocational training
                                                classes were offered in pottery, printing, sewing,
                                                sheet-metal work, and watch repair as well as the
                                                carpentry, cabinet making, and jewelry making classes
                                                that continue today.

                                                From the start, NBSS implemented a Swedish system of
                                                craftsmanship training known as “Sloyd.” This method
                                                focuses on the development of character, intellectual
                                                capacity, and hand skills, including an understanding
                                                of tools, materials, and processes. It also encourages a

A GOOD LIFE
                                                great sense of care and a commitment to excellence.
                                                Ultimately, the method seeks to teach the “whole
                                                person” how to make a living and how to lead a fuller life.

BUILT BY HAND
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Catalog September 2020 - June 2021 - North Bennet Street ...
8   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l   9
At the School’s core are nine             We teach and uphold the
                                                 Full-Time, professional programs,         principles and practices of the
                                                 each of which offer intensive,            craftsmanship tradition:
                                                 hands-on training:
                                                                                           • Skillful use of hand tools and
                                                 • Bookbinding                               power equipment
                                                 • Cabinet & Furniture Making              • Informed choice of materials
                                                 • Carpentry                               • Creative problem-solving based
                                                 • Jewelry Making & Repair                   on best practices

                                                 • Locksmithing & Security                 • A dedication to the highest
                                                   Technology                                quality work

                                                 • Basic Piano Technology                  In addition to Full-Time programs,
                                                 • Advanced Piano Technology               NBSS offers a wide range of
                                                 • Preservation Carpentry                  Continuing Education classes.
                                                                                           They are designed both for
                                                 • Violin Making & Repair
                                                                                           amateurs interested in learning a
                                                                                           new skill, for professionals
                                                 We offer a supportive and stimulating
                                                                                           who seek to strengthen their
                                                 learning environment for those who
                                                                                           technical understanding, and for
                                                 share a passion for fine craftsmanship.
                                                                                           those interested in qualifying for
                                                 Our faculty are highly experienced
                                                                                           Full-Time programs.
                                                 professionals, who instill in students
                                                 a sense of care in their work and a       Classes are taught by accomplished
                                                 commitment to excellence.                 professionals and master craftspeople,
                                                                                           including many who are graduates
                                                 Though we’ve used the same teaching
                                                                                           of the School’s Full-Time programs.
                                                 approach for more than a century, our
                                                                                           Lectures, demonstrations, and bench
                                                 course design is always evolving. We
                                                                                           exercises are combined in class to
                                                 shape our course content around the
                                                                                           provide students with a range of
                                                 recommendations of our students,
                                                                                           information and practical experience.
                                                 graduates, employers, and artisans.
                                                 Our goal is to prepare you for a          *Continuing Education courses are not included in the
                                                 successful career, where you’ll use       School’s institutional accreditation.

AN EDUCATION IN                                  hand skills to build objects that last.
                                                 In addition to hands-on work,
                                                 you’ll also participate in lectures,

CRAFTSMANSHIP
                                                 reading assignments, field trips,
                                                 and discussions. This provides
                                                 context for the skills and ideas you’ll
                                                 learn, making for a well-rounded
                                                 learning experience.

10   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                                                                     11
2 YEAR PROGRAM     16 STUDENTS

                            Bookbinding
                         This two-year, comprehensive program teaches
                       students how to make, restore, and preserve books,
                          archival materials, and other printed matter.

During the first year, you’ll learn the history and     FACULTY
development of this traditional craft, as well as       Jeffrey Altepeter BB ’99 is an instructor
develop a host of necessary skills. You’ll make         and the Department Head. He is also a
a variety of historical and modern binding              2003 graduate of the American Academy
structures, boxes, and other protective                 of Bookbinding.
enclosures. The repair of cloth and paper
bindings will supplement your understanding             Martha Kearsley BB ’95 is a bindery owner,
of the way books function and break down.               and has extensive experience in conservation.

Toward the end of the first year and
                                                        CAREERS
throughout the second year you will create
and repair leather bindings. During your                Our Bookbinding graduates work in a wide
second year, you’ll have the opportunity to             variety of careers in binderies and conservation
choose additional projects that reflect your            labs. Some employers of students and
personal career goals in conservation, fine             graduates have included:
binding, or other areas of the field.
                                                        • Universities such as Harvard, Columbia,
Additional learning takes place outside of the            Michigan State, Indiana University, Duke,
classroom—through exhibits, conferences,                  Texas A&M, UCLA, and UC Berkeley
and field trips to binderies, historic collections,
                                                        • US National Archives and
private studios, and conservation labs.
                                                          Records Administration
                                                        • Federal Emergency Management Agency
                                                        • Boston Athenaeum
“Going to NBSS was an
                                                        • National Park Service
investment in my future.                                • Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
I now have a unique set                                 • Boston Public Library
of timeless skills that I                               • Huntington Library
can use to earn a living.”                              • Rare Book School
AMANDA NELSEN BB ’07                                    • Winterthur/University of Delaware

12   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                             13
2 YEAR PROGRAM          41 STUDENTS

                                                              Cabinet &
                                                           Furniture Making
                                                            Our two-year program teaches fine craftsmanship through
                                                           projects based on 18th- and 19th-century furniture designs.

                                                 With these traditional models as a foundation,      Matt Wajda CF ‘01 has over 15 years of
                                                 you’ll be able to design and build furnishings of   experience, is a member of the Guild of
                                                 any era you choose.                                 New Hampshire Woodworkers, and regularly
                                                                                                     contributes to Fine Woodworking Magazine.
                                                 As a custom furniture maker at NBSS, you’ll
                                                 learn how to use and maintain both hand             In addition to the regular faculty, we have
                                                 tools and power equipment. You’ll estimate          artisans and historians lead workshops. Recent
                                                 costs, choose materials, and prepare working        guests include Peter Follansbee, Michael
                                                 drawings for each project. You’ll cut various       Patrick Wheeler CF ’77, David Wood, Joseph
                                                 joints, turn, carve, and bend wood, and apply       Karagezian, Paula Garbarino CA ’80, CF ’88,
                                                 marquetry or veneers. You’ll develop the            Ellen Kaspern CF ’03, and Peter Galbert.
                                                 knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary
                                                 to create thoughtful furniture pieces to            CAREERS
                                                 exacting standards.
                                                                                                     Graduates of our Cabinet & Furniture Making
                                                 The expansive program space includes a large        program work in a wide variety of careers, from
                                                 bench room, demonstration area, library, and        running independent custom shops, to conserving
                                                 finishing room. Students take regular field trips   pieces in historic collections, to working for
                                                 to view private and museum collections, and to      larger manufacturers, contractors, or designers.
                                                 visit the shops of prominent local woodworkers.     Alumni write articles and books on furniture
                                                                                                     making, present at shows and conferences, and
                                                                                                     help educate the next generation as faculty of
                                                 FACULTY
                                                                                                     woodworking programs and schools. Notably, the
                                                 Dan Faia CF ’94 is both an instructor and           Society of Period American Furniture Makers has
                                                 the Department Head. He has over 20 years           presented the prestigious Cartouche Award to
“I would not be where                            of experience in all aspects of furniture           four of our graduates, and to the School as well.
I am today had I not                             making, and runs a custom furniture shop
                                                 in New Hampshire.                                   Through bench exercises and building projects,
attended NBSS. I learned                                                                             students learn techniques using hand and
that if I do something                           Steve Brown CF ’90 is a contributor to              power tools and gain an understanding of the
                                                 Fine Woodworking Magazine and American              methods and construction strategies used to
well, the rest will fall                         Furniture Journal, and has work in museum and       create high-quality custom pieces. By drawing
into place.”                                     private collections.                                from the rich tradition of 18th- and early 19th-
                                                                                                     century American furniture, the program aims
NIKOLAUS MELLER CF ’94                           Lance Patterson CF ’79 has designed and
                                                                                                     to inform and enhance any design aspirations
                                                 built custom furniture for over 35 years. He
                                                                                                     by providing a solid foundation in fine furniture
                                                 was recently named a 2016 Mentor in Design
                                                                                                     making. Graduates enter fields such as cabinet
                                                 by Design New England Magazine.
                                                                                                     and furniture making, architectural millwork and
                                                                                                     furniture repair, restoration, and conservation.

14   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                                                                     15
1 YEAR PROGRAM     26 STUDENTS

                                    Carpentry
                                Our program encourages a commitment
                                to excellence and a mastery of the craft.

In nine months, you’ll be able to jump-start            FACULTY
your carpentry career and earn a return on              Peter Smith PC ’04 is both the Department
your educational investment. A student to               Head and an instructor. He has worked in
teacher ratio of 13:1 gives you plenty of               custom building and design for 15 years, with
one-on-one time with your instructors,                  additional experience as a camp counselor,
who are master carpenters.                              public school teacher, and NBSS Continuing
                                                        Education instructor.
In this program, you’ll learn how to construct
and renovate residential buildings. Both hand           Brock Leiendecker PC ’16 has worked on a
tool and machine skills are taught, as are the          variety of preservation and building projects
different practices of current and emerging             throughout New England. He has also taught
industry standards. You’ll experience the               Continuing Education courses and served
importance of working together safely and               as an assistant in both the Carpentry and
efficiently on building sites to meet your              Preservation Carpentry programs.
clients’ needs.

Our Carpentry facilities are well-suited                CAREERS
for lectures, benchwork, and small building             Graduates of our Carpentry program enjoy
projects. In addition, you’ll work off-site             careers like residential remodeling, contractor
on construction that may include house                  work, project management, and many
additions, garages, or similar projects.                others. Some of the jobs our graduates
                                                        have held include:

                                                        • Lead carpenter for high-end remodeling
 “NBSS taught me how                                      and cabinetmaking business
 to build a house from                                  • Finish carpenter for a large contractor
 start to finish, the big                               • Job supervisor for high-end
 picture perspective.                                     renovator/remodeler

 Everybody should                                       • Assistant project manager at a
                                                          commercial construction company
 learn this way.”
                                                        • Owner of a residential remodeling company
 SEAN HARDEO CA ’06
                                                        • Carpenter for the State of Massachusetts

16   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                            17
2 YEAR PROGRAM         13 STUDENTS

                                                                 Jewelry Making
                                                                    & Repair
                                                                      The two-year, comprehensive program prepares
                                                                     students to become professionals in the industry.

                                                  The program attracts students from around           FACULTY
                                                  the world who share a love of materials, artistic   Ann Cahoon JM ’02 is an instructor and the
                                                  expression, and working with their hands to         Department Head. She is active in the trade
                                                  make jewelry that transcends time.                  and has a BFA in Metalsmithing, Jewelry, and
                                                                                                      Ceramics from the Maine College of Art.
                                                  Jewelry fabrication and stone setting requires
                                                                                                      She has been a finalist in the Saul Bell Design
                                                  exceptional hand skills, focus, and a thorough
                                                                                                      Awards gold and platinum category, and has
                                                  understanding of materials. Throughout your
                                                                                                      been recognized by the Santa Fe Symposium
                                                  studies, you’ll continuously challenge yourself
                                                                                                      on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology for
                                                  and fine-tune your skills. You’ll create and
                                                                                                      her research. Ann also writes, lectures and
                                                  repair jewelry of lasting value using traditional
                                                                                                      judges for the MJSA (Manufacturing Jewelers
                                                  techniques and modern technology.
                                                                                                      & Suppliers of America), and has produced
                                                  You’ll work on increasingly complex projects        a number of instructional videos for Lapidary
                                                  to develop proficiency in:                          Journal Jewelry Artist.

                                                  • Using a full range of jeweler’s hand-tools
                                                                                                      CAREERS
                                                  • Identification of metals and stones
                                                                                                      Graduates of the Jewelry Making & Repair
                                                  • Metal forming techniques                          program work as bench jewelers and designers
                                                  • Polishing, soldering, and engraving               for companies of all sizes, and are owners of
                                                                                                      custom jewelry shops. Our graduates have held
                                                  • Laser welding
                                                                                                      jobs such as:
                                                  • Silver, gold, and platinum fabrication
                                                                                                      • Fashion jewelry designers
                                                  • Wax model making
     “With time and patience,                                                                         • Goldsmiths
                                                  • Jewelry repair
     I saw my abilities                                                                               • Fine jewelry designers
                                                  • Advanced jewelry construction
     transform by learning                                                                            • Retail jewelry store owners
                                                  • Stone setting
     from seasoned, talented                                                                          • Design directors for jewelry manufacturers
     jewelers. I completed                                                                            • Studio and gallery owners

     projects that I never                                                                            • Hand engravers

     thought I could make.”                                                                           • Stone setters

     COLLEEN MATTHEWS JM ’12

18    n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                                                                      19
1 YEAR PROGRAM     13 STUDENTS

        Locksmithing &
      Security Technology
                         The comprehensive program allows students to
                          jump-start a locksmithing career and quickly
                         earn a return on their educational investment.

In the hands-on, nine-month program students             The program space includes individual
study with an experienced locksmith in small             benches for each student, a room for
classes. The program will give you a firm grasp          instruction and demonstration, a resource
of the fundamentals and allows you to do                 library, and all the major equipment and
high-quality work after graduating.                      tools you would find in a locksmithing shop.
                                                         Classes meet five days a week in the mornings,
You’ll learn locksmithing through a combination          and after your second semester, you can
of classroom theory, lectures, demonstrations,           work part-time while continuing to learn
hands-on benchwork, surveying, and                       the trade in class.
installation. You’ll graduate with the ability to
service and repair all types of residential and
                                                         FACULTY
commercial door-locking devices. You’ll also
be familiar with security technology such as             Barb Baker LK ’04 is both an instructor and
electronic access control systems.                       the Department Head. She is a Member of
                                                         the Associated Locksmiths of America, and
                                                         is a Board Member of the Massachusetts
                                                         Locksmiths Association.
“Everything was
                                                         CAREERS
explained in great
                                                         Graduates of our Locksmithing & Security
detail. I was able                                       Technology program work for schools, security
to experience                                            firms, small businesses, and on their own. They
                                                         have a variety of career options, such as:
through observation,
problem solving,                                         • Locksmith, safe technician, or safe repairer

and repetitive work                                      • Forensic locksmith
                                                         • Certified Master Locksmith (CML)
what I was capable
                                                         • Certified Master Safecracker (CMS)
of accomplishing.”
                                                         • Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST)
ROMELLO WILLIAMS LK ’17
                                                         • Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL)

20   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                             21
1 YEAR PROGRAM BASIC PIANO             16 STUDENTS

                                                                    1 YEAR PROGRAM ADVANCED PIANO                 9 STUDENTS

                                                           Piano Technology
                                                        Our comprehensive programs give you the skills you need to start
                                                          a successful business and pursue a deeply satisfying career.

                                                 We offer two nine-month courses—Basic              72-piano service contract with the Boston
                                                 Piano Technology (PT) and Advanced Piano           Public School system. Each year, PA students
                                                 Technology (PA)—both of which provide              work in teams of two or three to dismantle,
                                                 intensive training with master faculty in a        rebuild, and repair grand pianos.
                                                 stimulating environment.
                                                                                                    FACULTY
                                                 Both programs attract students who share
                                                 a passion for music, problem solving and           Debbie Cyr PA ’93 is the Department Head
                                                 mechanics, and the hand skills used to restore     and a Registered Piano Technician with a
                                                 and care for beautiful musical instruments. Our    passion for teaching. She has an extensive
                                                 facilities include two bench rooms and sixteen     tuning clientele, and is an active instructor and
                                                 individual practice rooms, outfitted with a        examiner at conferences around the nation.
                                                 variety of pianos. Combined with business          David Betts PT ’72 is a Registered Piano
                                                 instruction, you’ll have the opportunity to        Technician, has worked as a self-employed
                                                 develop the skills and knowledge to become         technician and rebuilder for more than 40
                                                 a successful technician.                           years, and founded the Advanced Piano
                                                                                                    Technology program.
                                                 BASIC PIANO TECHNOLOGY                             Louis del Bene PT ’06, PA ’07 is a
                                                 The PT program covers all phases of aural          Registered Piano Technician. He served as
                                                 piano tuning, including the concepts on which      President & Vice President in the Central
                                                 equal temperament is founded. You’ll learn to      North Carolina chapter of the Piano
                                                 tune, regulate, and repair the actions of both     Technicians Guild and later, as Vice
                                                 upright and grand pianos. Classes include          President for the San Francisco chapter.

“One can’t                                       hands-on work, lectures, and field trips to such   Emily Townsend PT ’07, PA ’08 is a
                                                 venues as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston,       Registered Piano Technician and runs an active
overemphasize                                    the Mason & Hamlin Factory in Haverhill, the       tuning business. She holds a degree in piano
the industry                                     Steinway factory in Long Island City, as well as   performance, and has served as a technician
                                                 various workshops and collections throughout       at prominent music festivals nationwide.
respect this school                              New England.
has. Attending                                                                                      CAREERS
NBSS is a fast                                   ADVANCED PIANO TECHNOLOGY
                                                                                                    Graduates of our Piano Technology Program
                                                 The PA program focuses on the entire piano
track to a career.”                                                                                 have a variety of successful career choices. In
                                                 and comprehensive piano service. This includes     addition to being independent entrepreneurs,
BRIAN TURANO PT ’13, PA ’14                      advanced tuning and regulation practice, and       our graduates hold positions at piano
                                                 resolving service problems that occur in the       companies, colleges and universities, concert
                                                 field—an example of which is the School’s          halls, recording studios, and music festivals.

22   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                                                                      23
2 YEAR PROGRAM     26 STUDENTS

                             Preservation
                              Carpentry
              The comprehensive Preservation Carpentry program teaches
               the time-honored skills and values of fine craftsmanship.

Our students share a love of history, materials,        FACULTY
quality workmanship, and working with their             Steven O’Shaughnessy PC ’99 instructs
hands to build, restore, and preserve beautiful         first-year students and is the Department
structures that last.                                   Head. He’s worked for Historic New England,
                                                        served as an instructor for Boston YouthBuild’s
The two-year program combines an
                                                        preservation carpentry component, and runs
introduction to contemporary residential
                                                        his own business making custom doors and
construction with a foundation in pre-20th
                                                        restoring historic windows.
century New England home construction.
You’ll learn a broad range of construction              Michael Burrey instructs second-year
methods, including stabilizing endangered               students. He specializes in timber-frame
buildings, preserving architectural details, and        joinery and has researched and re-created
recreating historical design elements. Through          17th century methods of roof thatching,
lectures, hands-on projects, and collaborative          interior walls, and paint finishes. He studied
field work, you’ll gain an understanding of how         Early American and Colonial Life, later working
current technology compares to traditional              as an Interpretive Artisan at Plimoth Plantation.
techniques. You’ll graduate with the skills
needed to work with contractors and                     CAREERS
institutions specializing in preservation
work, including historical millwork and                 Graduates of the program go on to be
interior finish carpentry.                              restoration carpenters, museum conservators,
                                                        owners of full-service design/build companies,
The program space includes first and second             and more. Some of the notable organizations
year bench rooms, where each student is                 for which they’ve worked include:
assigned a bench and work space, and a central
machine room. New England’s rich historical             • National Park Service                             “If you want to set
legacy of pre-20th century buildings provides           • The Trustees of Reservations                      yourself apart, NBSS
exceptional field projects. Such site work is
often done in collaboration with non-profit
                                                        • Historic Charleston Foundation                    will give you more
museums and historical sites.                           • Harvard Museum of Natural History                 credibility and knowledge
                                                        • Historic New England
                                                                                                            than you could get with
                                                        • Historic Preservation Training Center
                                                                                                            10 years in the field.”
                                                        • Mount Auburn Cemetery
                                                                                                            BRENT HULL PC ’93
                                                        • Peabody Essex Museum
                                                        • Star Island Builders

24   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                                                      25
3 YEAR PROGRAM         12 STUDENTS

                        Violin Making
                          & Repair
                   The three-year, comprehensive program is one of the few
                     full-time instrument making programs in the U.S.

     The curriculum provides a solid foundation         Roman actively participates in acoustic
     in the art and science of stringed instrument      research, which includes co-authoring with
     making, and an introduction to restoration.        scientists from MIT the research paper
                                                        “Evolution of Air Resonance Power Efficiency
     Violin Making & Repair is learned through          in the Violin and Its Ancestors.” The paper
     hands-on work. The program follows the             was published in Royal Society and was the
     highest standards of the craft and teaches         product of over eight years of collaboration.
     repair, restoration, and set-up of stringed
     instruments. Over the course of this three-year
     program, you’ll build six violins and a viola.     GUEST LECTURERS

     Students, alumni, and faculty regularly receive    In addition, we often have established
     international recognition for the craftsmanship    artisans visit the School to lead workshops
     and tonality of their instruments.                 and special classes. Some of our guest
                                                        lecturers have included:
     FACULTY
                                                        • Andrew Ryan
     Roman Barnas is an instructor and the              • Philippe Raynaud
     Department Head. He began making his first
     violins at age 14, and later studied music and     • Paul Wiessmeyer
     violin making at the Paderewski Academy            • David Hawthorne
     of Music in Poland. Roman went on to work
                                                        • Marco Coppiardi
     as a violin maker and restorer, working at the
     highest levels of quality and expertise. In 2010   • Kevin Kelly VM ’92
     Roman earned a Certificate of Merit for Tone       • Chris Reuning
     for his violin at the Violin Society of America
                                                        • Ben Ruth
     competition.

                                                        CAREERS
     “It’s rare to find an                              Graduates of our Violin Making & Repair
     institution where great                            program are often employed by the most
                                                        prestigious violin shops as makers and
     value is placed upon                               restorers. Other graduates choose to become
     tradition, time-honored                            self-employed luthiers. Others go on to be
                                                        shop owners of full-service string instrument
     technique, and plain                               shops. They repair, restore, and build violins
     old hard work.”                                    and cellos.

     JESS FOX VM ’06

26                                                                                                    27
28   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l   29
NBSS students are ambitious, passionate, and diverse.
                                                 They are recent high school graduates, former college
                                                 students, and white-collar professionals. They are
                                                 returning veterans, single parents, and recently married,
                                                 starting new families. Students come from Boston,
                                                 from surrounding New England states, from across the
                                                 country, and around the world.

                                                 Training students for careers in traditional trades is at
                                                 the very heart of our mission, and we aim to make the
                                                 student experience just as rewarding. Our Student Life &
                                                 Career Services Office will help you feel comfortable and
                                                 connected, gain new experiences, and prepare you for
                                                 your future career.

                                                 While hands-on focused work is at the core of the NBSS
                                                 experience, students are able to relax and socialize away
                                                 from their bench. Outside of the classroom, students
                                                 attend social events, career workshops, a business
                                                 preparation course, and public lectures that enhance
                                                 their hands-on instruction. A weekly community lunch
                                                 break, regular student events, student group meetings,
                                                 and a host of other activities offer more opportunities
                                                 for learning, fun, and socializing.

                                                 NBSS programs are rigorous. Instructors expect students
                                                 to perform all required work and to do it to the highest
                                                 standard within a supportive, stimulating environment.
                                                 Programs are geared towards tangible outcomes and
                                                 career training. Small classes allow instructors to provide

MEANINGFUL
                                                 individual attention. Equally valuable is the opportunity
                                                 for students to help and learn from each other. Students
                                                 come from across the country and around the world, and
                                                 their diverse life and work experiences encourage a lively

WORK AND LIFE
                                                 exchange of ideas and perspectives. It is common for
                                                 program graduates to remain involved with the School,
                                                 offering their insight and expertise as guest lecturers,
                                                 instructors, networking contacts, and employers.

30   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                            31
FACULTY

NBSS instructors have a range of diverse
                                                  STUDENT BENEFITS
experience. Many are NBSS graduates and
have taught for more than 10 years. Faculty       • Social events like our Lunch Break
members often lecture at national meetings,         Wednesdays, Rally At The Alley bowling
demonstrate at conferences, and write for           night, Open Mic Night, and other annual/
industry publications. In addition to teaching,     holiday parties.
faculty members continue to practice their        • Interest groups such as the Student Veterans
craft, work on commissions, and exhibit and         Organization and LGBTQ+ Student Group.
sell their work.
                                                  • A seven-session Business Fundamentals
                                                    Course that builds your knowledge in
FACILITIES                                          everything from contracts to marketing.
Located in Boston’s historic North End, the       • Opportunities to display your work at
School’s facility includes workshops and            national, regional, and local shows/exhibits.
classrooms that provide the bench space,
                                                  • Access to our Jobs & Commissions Board
equipment, and machinery necessary for the
                                                    to explore employment opportunities.
highest quality instruction in each program.
The education spaces and admissions,              • Housing resources to help you search
academic, student services, and administrative      for living space.
offices are located within one facility, making   • Details on health insurance, local gyms,
it easy for students to connect with peers,         health clinics, hospitals, and wellness services.
faculty, and staff. A store and exhibit space
                                                  • Information about voter registration,
provide additional resources for students and
                                                    transportation, and child care.
the public.
                                                  • Discounted rates for Continuing Education
                                                    courses at NBSS.
LIVING IN BOSTON

North Bennet Street School is located in
                                                  ALUMNI NETWORK
Boston, ranked among the world's top cities
for its history, culture, green space, and        Our intimate, close-knit community of
careers. We love our historic North End           craftspeople continues even beyond
neighborhood, which is easily accessible          graduation. Over 3,000 NBSS alumni live
by transit, and an ideal place for dining,        around the world, and many of the School’s
shopping, and entertainment—all within a few      instructors are alumni. Our alumni community
walkable blocks. For these reasons and more,      provides invaluable insight into the
Boston provides a wonderful backdrop for the      professional lives and careers of graduates.
training that occurs in the classroom.            Students can gain mentorship from alumni,
                                                  and connections with potential employers,
                                                  colleagues, and organizations through
HOUSING
                                                  this network.
NBSS does not have dorms or residence
halls. What we do have is a central Boston
location in a residential neighborhood,
accessible by public transportation to dozens
of neighborhoods and local communities.
The Student Life & Career Services Office
has created helpful resources for students
researching housing options.

32   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                    33
Application Requirements                                  Bookbinding                                               Carpentry                                                  Locksmithing &                                             Basic Piano Technology                                   • The estimated cost of hand tools is $2,800.

                                                                                                                                                                               Security Technology                                                                                                 • The estimated cost of materials for violins is $1,000
Please submit all of your required admissions materials   ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENT                        ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENT                                                                                    PROGRAM INFORMATION
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     per year (totaling $3,000 for the program), billed in
(Word, PDF, or JPG files) through the upload form on                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 monthly installments of $100.
                                                          A portfolio of your work: 6–8 images, either digital or   A skill test administered at the school that includes      ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS                        • Students are admitted in September.
our website, to admissions@nbss.edu, or to our mailing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             • Students who complete the program receive a
                                                          printed, including your name and brief descriptions.      mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions.   • A skill test administered at the school that includes
address. Please include your full name and program of                                                                                                                                                                                     • The maximum enrollment is 16 students.                   Diploma of Violin Making & Repair.
interest on all submission materials.                                                                                                                                            mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following
                                                                                                                                                                                 directions.                                              • Classes meet 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday,
                                                          PROGRAM INFORMATION
                                                                                                                    PROGRAM INFORMATION                                                                                                     September through May.
                                                                                                                                                                               • CORI Report to ensure employability.
APPLICATION
A completed application, online or hard copy
                                                          • Students are admitted in September.
                                                                                                                    • Students are admitted in September.                                                                                 • The program length is one, nine-month academic         Additional Requirements for
                                                          • The maximum enrollment is 16 students.
                                                                                                                    • The maximum enrollment is 26 students.                                                                                year (36 weeks or 1260 class hours***).                International Students
                                                          • Classes meets 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday,                                                                  PROGRAM INFORMATION
                                                                                                                    • Classes meet 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday -                                                                            • Tuition is $25,500* with the option of making 9
TRANSCRIPTS
                                                            September through May.                                                                                             • Students are admitted in September and February.           monthly payments of $2,833.                            ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
One of the following is required showing that you                                                                     Thursday, September through May.
completed your studies:                                   • The program length is two, nine-month academic                                                                     • The maximum enrollment 13 students.                      • The estimated cost of hand tools is $1,500.            Proficiency in the English language is required of
                                                                                                                    • The program length is one, nine-month academic
                                                            years (72 weeks or 2340 class hours***).                                                                                                                                                                                               all students. You must complete at least one of the
• Official high school transcript or equivalency,                                                                     year (36 weeks or 1170 class hours***).                  • Classes meet 7:30 am - 12:30 pm, Monday - Friday,        • Estimated cost of transportation for trips is $300.
  including GED®, HiSet™, or certified homeschool         • Tuition is $25,000* per year totaling $50,000**,                                                                     September through May.                                                                                            following:
                                                                                                                    • Tuition is $25,500* with the option of making 9                                                                     • Students who complete the program receive a
  transcript.                                               with the option of making 18 monthly payments of                                                                                                                                                                                       • Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language
                                                                                                                      monthly payments of $2,833.                              • The program length is one, nine-month academic             Certificate of Basic Piano Technology.
                                                            $2,778.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (TOEFL, 525 PBT/70 IBT) or English Language
• Official post-secondary transcript(s) including                                                                   • The estimated cost of hand tools is $3,350.                year (36 weeks or 900 class hours***).
  Associate, Bachelor, or advanced degree.                • The estimated cost of hand tools is $1,700.                                                                                                                                                                                              Testing System (IELTS, 5.5) and submit your score
                                                                                                                    • The estimated cost of books is $250.                     • Tuition is $21,000* with the option of making 9                                                                     with the application for admission.
  International students, see page 35.                    • The estimated cost of materials is $1,300.
                                                                                                                    • The cost of materials is $900, billed as monthly
                                                                                                                                                                                 monthly payments of $2,333.                              Advanced Piano Technology                                • Successfully complete your English as Second
• Transcripts should be sent from the school, either      • The estimated cost of transportation, room and
                                                                                                                      installments of $100.                                    • The estimated cost of hand tools is $1,900.                                                                         Language (ESL) courses and submit your
  via email or postal mail.                                 board for optional class trips is $100-$3,000.                                                                                                                                ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENT                         transcript/certificate.
                                                                                                                    • Students are responsible for their own                   • The estimated cost of books is $200.
                                                          • Students who complete the program receive a
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION                                                                                             transportation to site work and class trips.             • The estimated cost of transportation, room and           A skill test administered at the school which may        • Successfully complete college-level English courses
                                                            Diploma of Bookbinding.
Two letters of recommendation are required,                                                                                                                                      board for the class trip is $100.                        include tuning, regulation, and repair for applicants      in an US college or university, and submit your
                                                                                                                    • Students who complete the program receive a
preferably from an instructor, mentor, employer, or                                                                                                                                                                                       who have not graduated from Basic Piano Technology.        official transcript.
                                                                                                                      Diploma of Carpentry.                                    • Students who complete the program receive a
client. Letters should be submitted through the online                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             • Provide evidence of having graduated from an
                                                                                                                                                                                 Diploma of Locksmithing & Security Technology.
form, emailed, or mailed. Letters must include the        Cabinet & Furniture Making                                                                                                                                                      PROGRAM INFORMATION                                        institution that is primarily taught in English.
recommender’s contact information and should speak
to your abilities and potential to succeed in your
                                                          ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENT
                                                                                                                    Jewelry Making & Repair                                                                                               • Students are admitted in September.

                                                                                                                                                                               Preservation Carpentry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ACADEMIC RECORDS
program of interest. A recommendation from family,                                                                                                                                                                                        • The maximum enrollment is 9 students.
especially if they work in the industry, can be used as   A portfolio of your work: 6–8 images, either digital or                                                                                                                                                                                  • International students are required to submit
                                                                                                                    ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS                                                                                   • Classes meet 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday,
the second recommendation only.                           printed, including your name and brief descriptions.                                                                                                                                                                                       an official copy of one terminal secondary or
                                                                                                                                                                               ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENT                           September through May.
                                                                                                                    • A skill test administered at the school that includes                                                                                                                          postsecondary transcript.
                                                                                                                      mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following             A skill test administered at the school that includes      • The program length is one, nine-month academic
                                                          PROGRAM INFORMATION                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • If the secondary diplomas and/or academic
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE                                                                                                  directions.                                              mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions.     year (36 weeks or 1260 class hours***).
A one-page typed, double-spaced essay detailing           • Students are admitted in September and February.                                                                                                                                                                                         certificates are from outside of the U.S. (but not
                                                                                                                    • A portfolio of your work including 6–8 photos,                                                                      • Tuition is $25,500* with the option of making 9          an American school), applicants are required to
your experience, reasons for applying, professional
                                                          • The maximum enrollment is 41 students.                    either digital or printed, and labeled with your name    PROGRAM INFORMATION                                          monthly payments of $2,833.                              have their credentials evaluated by a professional
goals, and what you can contribute to the program
                                                          • Classes meet 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday,          and brief descriptions. The portfolio may be waived                                                                                                                            evaluation service such as WES or CED.
and the industry.                                                                                                                                                              • Students are admitted in September.                      • Estimated cost of hand tools is $800.
                                                            September through May.                                    by successful completion of the skill test.
                                                                                                                                                                               • The maximum enrollment is 26 students.                   • Estimated cost of transportation for trips is $300.
                                                          • The program length is two, nine-month academic          • A scheduled meeting with faculty once you submit                                                                                                                             CERTIFICATION OF FINANCES
RESUME
                                                                                                                      your application.                                        • Classes meet 7:15 am - 4:00 pm, Monday -                 • Students who complete the program receive a
Work and experience history including a list of             years (72 weeks or 2340 class hours***).                                                                                                                                                                                               • International applicants must submit the
                                                                                                                                                                                 Thursday, September through May.                           Diploma of Advanced Piano Technology.
related courses, internships, and other skill-building    • Tuition is $25,000* per year totaling $50,000**,        • CORI report to ensure employability.                                                                                                                                           Confidential Declaration of Finances form and an
experiences.                                                with the option of making 18 monthly payments of                                                                   • The program length is two, nine-month academic                                                                      official bank statement to show evidence of their
                                                            $2,778.                                                                                                              years (72 weeks or 2340 class hours***).                                                                            ability to pay educational and living expenses while
VISIT NBSS
                                                          • The estimated cost of hand tools is $4,000.
                                                                                                                    PROGRAM INFORMATION
                                                                                                                                                                               • Tuition is $25,500* per year totaling $51,000**          Violin Making & Repair                                     studying in the U.S..
Contact NBSS Admissions to schedule a visit.                                                                        • Students are admitted in September and February.           with the option of making 18 monthly payments                                                                     • NBSS will provide the form to qualified applicants,
Information Sessions are held monthly. Interviews         • The estimated cost of materials is $3,500.                                                                           of $2,833.                                               PROGRAM INFORMATION
                                                                                                                    • The maximum enrollment is 13 students.                                                                                                                                         which includes the estimate that should be sufficient
should be scheduled in advance. Out-of-state/country      • The estimated cost of transportation, room and                                                                                                                                                                                           to cover one year expenses, including tuition, cost
                                                                                                                    • Classes meet 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday,         • The estimated cost of hand tools is $3,700.              • Students are admitted in September and February.
applicants may schedule an initial phone interview.         board for optional class trips is $300.                                                                                                                                                                                                  of living, tools, and fees.
                                                                                                                      September through May.                                   • The estimated cost of books is $250.                     • The maximum enrollment is 12 students.
                                                          • Students who complete the program receive a
                                                                                                                    • The program length is two, nine-month academic           • Students are responsible for materials for
                                                            Diploma of Cabinet & Furniture Making.                                                                                                                                        • Classes meet 8:00 am- 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday,
                                                                                                                      years (72 weeks or 2340 class hours***).
Apply Anytime                                                                                                                                                                    their projects.                                            September through June.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     * The tuition rate is for students entering NBSS
                                                                                                                    • Tuition is $25,000* per year totaling $50,000**,         • Students are responsible for their own
To be considered in our first round of                                                                                                                                                                                                    • The program length is three, ten-month academic
                                                                                                                      with the option of making 18 monthly payments              transportation to site work and class trips.                                                                        between September 2020 and June 2021.
decisions, our preferred deadlines are:                                                                                                                                                                                                     years (40 weeks per year, 120 weeks, or 3900 class
                                                                                                                      of $2,778.
                                                                                                                                                                               • Students who complete the program receive                  hours***).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ** NBSS reserves the right to increase tuition in the
October 1 for February start                                                                                        • The estimated cost of hand tools is $1,900.                a Diploma of Preservation Carpentry.                     • The tuition is $26,000* per year totaling $78,000**,     second and subsequent years of a program. See
January 1 for September start                                                                                       • The estimated cost of materials is $3,000.                                                                            with the option of making 30 monthly payments of         page 36 under Enrollment: Tuition for full details.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            $2,600.
                                                                                                                    • Students who complete the program receive a
                                                                                                                      Diploma of Jewelry Making & Repair.                                                                                                                                            *** Class hours equals clock hours.

    34    n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          35
Admissions Criteria                                            REGISTRATION FEE
                                                               A one-time Registration Fee of $150 is required to
                                                                                                                             Applying for financial aid is a worthwhile process
                                                                                                                             and the NBSS Financial Aid Office provides support
                                                                                                                                                                                          Tuition Refund Policy                                      you progress through the enrollment period. If you
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     withdraw during your enrollment period, the amount
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any amount of unearned grant funds that you must
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                return is called an overpayment. The maximum
ELIGIBILITY                                                    reserve a place at the School and should be sent with         during all aspects of the application and financial aid      An enrolled student who withdraws, is dismissed,           of Title IV program assistance that you have earned        amount of a grant overpayment that you must
Applicants who have a high school diploma, or                  the Enrollment Agreement. The Registration Fee is             disbursement processes.                                      or otherwise terminates their enrollment will be           up to that point is determined by a U.S. Department        repay is half of the grant funds you received or
equivalency (including GED, HiSet test, or Home                not refundable and is in addition to tuition.                                                                              processed under the following policies:                    of Education formula specific to Title IV funds. If you    were scheduled to receive. You do not have to
School Diploma) may apply.                                                                                                   VETERANS                                                     1. An enrollment period is defined as one-half the         received (or NBSS or your parent received on your          repay a grant overpayment if the original amount
                                                               TUITION                                                       All NBSS Full-Time programs are approved for the                academic year. An academic year is ten months           behalf) less assistance than the amount that you           of the overpayment is $50 or less. You must make
ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH                         By signing the Enrollment Agreement and paying the            full range of veterans’ education benefits including            (40 weeks) long in Violin Making & Repair;              earned, you may be able to receive those additional        arrangements with the NBSS Finance Office or the
DISABILITIES                                                   $150 Registration Fee, students enter into a contract         Chapters 30, 31, 33, & 35. Veterans must apply for              therefore an enrollment period for that program is      funds. If you received (or NBSS or your parent             U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to return the
Any student who needs special services or academic             with the School which sets their tuition for the first        benefits online at ebenefits.va.gov. For assistance,            five months (20 weeks). In all other programs, the      received on your behalf) more assistance than you          unearned grant funds.
adjustment should contact the Provost, who is the              year of their program. The School reserves the right to       please contact the NBSS Financial Aid Office or the             academic year is nine months (36 weeks) in length,      earned, the excess funds must be returned by NBSS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The requirements for Title IV program funds when
504 Academic Adjustment Coordinator, and make a                increase tuition in the second and subsequent years of        Veterans Administration (VA) at 1-888-442-4551.                 and the enrollment period is four and one-half          and/or you.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                you withdraw are separate and independent from the
request. NBSS is committed to work with students to            a program. Please see pages 34-35 of this booklet for         Veterans are also encouraged to apply for financial aid         months (18 weeks).                                                                                                 NBSS Cancellation and Refund policies. Therefore,
arrive at a workable solution to meet each student’s           current tuition information. If the School does increase      in order to determine eligibility for additional grants                                                                 ACCRUAL OF AID ELIGIBILITY                                 following the post-withdrawal treatment of Title IV
                                                                                                                                                                                          2. NBSS uses the Date of Determination to calculate
particular needs.                                              tuition for a program in subsequent years, that increase      and scholarships, including The NBSS Yellow Ribbon                                                                                                                                 funds, you may still owe funds to NBSS to cover
                                                                                                                                                                                             refunds. The Date of Determination is the date the      The amount of assistance that you have earned is
                                                               will not exceed 7.5% of the previous year’s tuition.          Program.                                                                                                                                                                           unpaid institutional charges. This includes charges to
                                                                                                                                                                                             student’s enrollment was terminated by the School,      determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if you
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY                                      Should the School exercise its right to increase tuition,                                                                                                                                                                                        your account that are created when NBSS is required
                                                                                                                             Contact Jamie Dergay, Director of Financial Aid,                the date the School was notified by the student that    completed 30% of your enrollment period, you earn
NBSS admits students without regard for religion, sex,         the School must give the student a minimum of ninety                                                                                                                                                                                             to return Title IV funds previously disbursed to your
                                                                                                                             for advice and answers to questions.                            they were withdrawing, or the date the student was      30% of the assistance you were originally scheduled
sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender identity         (90) days written notice prior to the effective date of                                                                                                                                                                                          account. Please refer to the NBSS Refund and
                                                                                                                                                                                             determined by the School to be withdrawn due to         to receive. Once you have completed 60% of the
                                                               the increase and a Re-enrollment Agreement will be            617-227-0155 x115 / financialaid@nbss.edu                                                                                                                                          Cancellation Policies above.
and expression, age, race, color, disability, national and                                                                                                                                   absences. Money due the applicant or student will       enrollment period, you earn all the assistance that you
ethnic origin, military or veteran status, or any other        executed.
                                                                                                                                                                                             be refunded within 30 (thirty) days after the date of   were scheduled to receive for that period.
characteristic protected under applicable federal, state,                                                                                                                                    determination.                                                                                                     U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
                                                               A down payment equal to one month’s tuition reserves
or local law, and all students enjoy the rights, privileges,
programs, and activities generally accorded or made            the student’s place in a program. The balance of              Cancellation Policy                                          3. In cases of prolonged illness, death in the family,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     If you did not receive all of the funds that you earned,   REFUND POLICY (STUDENT OVERPAYMENTS)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     you may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement.
                                                               tuition is due before the first day of the program unless     You may terminate the agreement at any time.                    or other circumstances that make it impractical                                                                    1. The Veterans Administration (VA) determines
available at the School.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             If your post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan
                                                               arrangements are made to make monthly payments.               The NBSS Cancellation and Tuition Refund Policies               to complete a program, the School will make a                                                                         debts resulting from benefit overpayments and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     funds, NBSS must get your permission before it can
                                                                                                                             comply in all respects with M.G.L. Chapter 255,                 settlement reasonable and fair to both parties.                                                                       the party (School or student) responsible for
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS                                                                                                                                                                                                                               disburse them. You may choose to decline some or
                                                               Title 38, Section 103 policy statement: NBSS will             Section 13K.                                                                                                                                                                          repayment. A debt is established on the student for
                                                                                                                                                                                          4. In the case of a student who completes academic         all of the loan funds so that you don’t incur additional
NBSS is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration           not charge late fees or impose any other penalties                                                                                                                                                                                                  tuition and fees when the student withdraws after
                                                                                                                             Terminations which take place under any of the                  requirements early and within 60% of an enrollment      debt. NBSS may automatically use all or a portion
Services to accept international students. Applicants          as a result of delayed disbursements of educational                                                                                                                                                                                                 the first day of the term or the school submits a
                                                                                                                             following scenarios will result in a cancellation of            period, a prorated portion of the tuition for that      of your post-withdrawal disbursement of grant
must document their ability to pay for all expenses            benefits by the Veterans Administration.                                                                                                                                                                                                            change in enrollment to the VA.
                                                                                                                             the Enrollment Agreement:                                       period will be due, based on the time completed         funds for unpaid tuition and fees owed to NBSS in
during training. English is the language of instruction.
                                                                                                                                                                                             rounded up to the nearest 10%. For early                accordance with the NBSS Refund Policy. NBSS               2. When an overpayment is created, a first
See the Application Requirements on page 35 of this                                                                          1. If the student terminates the Enrollment
                                                               TOOLS AND MATERIALS                                                                                                           completion after 60% of the enrollment period, the      needs your permission to use a post-withdrawal grant          demand letter is sent notifying the student of
booklet for details.                                                                                                            Agreement within five (5) days of signing and
                                                               Students are expected to provide their own complete                                                                           entire period’s tuition will be due.                    disbursement for all other institutional charges. If you      the overpayment. The School does not receive
                                                               set of hand tools. Being without the correct tool                before the first day of the program start date, they                                                                                                                               copies of demand letters or any other notification
                                                                                                                                                                                          5. If enrollment is terminated, the student will owe       do not give your permission, you will be offered the
TRANSFER CREDITS
                                                               during a lesson can delay progress for even the most             will receive a refund of all monies paid.                                                                                                                                          regarding debts assessed on students. When the
                                                                                                                                                                                             the actual reasonable administrative costs incurred     funds. However, it may be in your best interest to allow
NBSS programs rely on an organic, iterative learning           advanced student. Although you may see a tool list            2. If the student terminates the Enrollment                                                                                                                                           letter is received, the student should immediately
                                                                                                                                                                                             by the School to enroll them and process the            NBSS to keep the funds to reduce your debt to NBSS.
experience instead of on individual classes so transfer        in advance, we strongly suggest you wait to acquire              Agreement more than five (5) days after signing                                                                                                                                    contact the VA regarding the debt. The response
of prior credit is usually not applicable. We will review                                                                                                                                    application materials, which shall be fifty dollars     In certain circumstances, Title IV funds that you were
                                                               new tools until after you have been accepted and                 the Enrollment Agreement and before the first                                                                                                                                      should be sent (in writing) directly to the office
prior credit on a case-by-case basis. Prior experience                                                                                                                                       ($50.00), plus tuition and fees based on the            scheduled to receive cannot be disbursed to you once
                                                               receive more information about your program. Your                day of their program, they will be responsible for                                                                                                                                 sending the letter, unless otherwise stated.
often strengthens an applicant’s portfolio and                                                                                                                                               following schedule:                                     you withdraw because of other eligibility requirements.
                                                               instructor(s) will review a full tool list during the first      the actual reasonable administrative costs incurred                                                                                                                                Responding immediately and reaching a valid
application.                                                                                                                                                                                 • Enrollments terminated within the first five (5)      For example, if you are a first-time, full-time program
                                                               week of class.                                                   by the School to enroll them and process the                                                                                                                                       repayment agreement in a timely manner could
                                                                                                                                                                                               class days of any enrollment period result in zero    student and you have not completed the first 30 days
                                                                                                                                application materials, which shall be fifty dollars                                                                                                                                prevent future benefits from being withheld. Due
                                                                                                                                                                                               (0%) tuition and fees charged for that enrollment     of your program before you withdraw, you will not
                                                               The NBSS Store offers Starter Tool Kits for first                ($50.00). Administrative costs equal: $50.00.                                                                                                                                      process (rights to appeal or waiver) as well as time
                                                                                                                                                                                               period.                                               receive any Direct Loan funds that you would have
Preferred Deadlines                                            semester students, and we recommend not purchasing
                                                               any tools beyond the Starter Tool Kit before your
                                                                                                                             3. If a student starts their program without a prior visit                                                              received had you remained enrolled past the 30th day.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   limits for each step in the process is given in the first
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   demand letter.
                                                                                                                                to the School, this Agreement may be terminated              • If enrollment is terminated after five (5) class
We welcome applications at any time during the                 program begins. If you already own tools, you will be                                                                           days but before 4.5 weeks have been completed,
                                                                                                                                within the first five (5) days of the student’s                                                                                                                                 3. A request for waiver must be received no later than
enrollment period, and we use a wait-list system               able to bring them to class to reconcile them with the                                                                                                                                RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS
                                                                                                                                program with a full refund of tuition paid less actual         the student will owe 30% of the period’s tuition.                                                                   180 days (6 months) from the date of the initial
for qualified applicants due to limited bench space.           full tool list. Students purchase materials for individual                                                                                                                            If you receive (or NBSS or your parent receive on your
                                                                                                                                reasonable administrative costs incurred by the              • If enrollment is terminated after 4.5 weeks but                                                                     notification of the overpayment. If a waiver request
NBSS has a February start for four programs and a              projects done in the program, and students own all                                                                                                                                    behalf) excess Title IV program funds that must be
                                                                                                                                School, as described in paragraph 2 above.                     before 9 weeks are completed, the student owes                                                                      is received within 30 days of the first demand
September start for all nine programs. The preferred           individual projects they make.                                                                                                                                                        returned, NBSS must return a portion of the excess
                                                                                                                                                                                               50% of the period’s tuition.                                                                                        (notification) letter, no benefits will be withheld until
deadline for the February start is October 1, with                                                                           4. Pursuant to 230 CMR 15.04, you have the right                                                                        equal to the lesser of:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   the decision is made. If benefits were withheld and
decisions made by November 15. The preferred                                                                                    to cancel this Enrollment Agreement before the               • If enrollment is terminated after nine weeks,         1. Your institutional charges multiplied by the               the waiver request was found to be timely, a refund
deadline for the September start is January 1, with                                                                             completion of five (5) class days or 5% of the                 100% of tuition for the period is due.
decisions made by March 10.                                    Financial Aid Resources                                          program, whichever occurs first, and to receive a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        unearned percentage of your funds, or the entire
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        amount of excess funds.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   will be issued. If a waiver is granted, any funds that
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   have been applied will be refunded.
                                                               Please visit nbss.edu/financialaid where you will find           full refund of monies paid, less actual reasonable
                                                                                                                                administrative costs, which shall be fifty dollars                                                                   2. NBSS must return this amount even if it didn’t keep
                                                               detailed instructions on applying for financial aid
                                                                                                                                ($50.00).                                                 U.S. Department of                                            this amount of your Title IV program funds. If your        Note: If a waiver is requested after the first 30 days,
Enrollment                                                     at NBSS, as well as information about Federal and
                                                               State student loans and grants, NBSS scholarships,            5. If the School allows a student to begin participation     Education Title IV Refund                                     school is not required to return all of the excess         but within 180 days, offset of benefits will continue.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   If a waiver is granted, the amount collected will be
Upon acceptance, the Admissions Office sends                   alternative financing, and private scholarships.                 in a program while an initial award for financial aid,    Policy                                                        funds, you must return the remaining amount.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   refunded.
applicants an Enrollment Agreement that includes               You will also find a link to the NBSS net-price                  including student loans, is pending, and the student                                                                 3. For any loan funds that you must return, you (or
complete costs, payment plan options, and the terms                                                                                                                                                                                                     your parent for a Direct PLUS Loan) repay in            Contact us at 617-227-0155 x110 or
                                                               calculator, which will provide you with a detailed               is subsequently denied some or all of that student        TREATMENT OF TITLE IV FUNDS
of enrollment. The Enrollment Agreement must be                                                                                                                                                                                                         accordance with the terms of the promissory note.       admissions@nbss.edu with any questions.
                                                               summary of the expected cost and financial aid                   loan or financial aid amount, the School shall offer in   WHEN A STUDENT WITHDRAWS
signed and returned with the $150 Registration Fee             eligibility for enrollment in your program at NBSS.              writing, an opportunity to terminate the Enrollment       Federal financial aid (Title IV aid) is posted to your        That is, you make scheduled payments to the
(see below) and a tuition down payment equal to one                                                                             Agreement with a full refund of all monies paid, less     account at the start of each enrollment period,               holder of the loan over a period of time.
month’s tuition to reserve a place at the School.                                                                               actual reasonable administrative costs as defined         however, your eligibility for those funds is earned as
                                                                                                                                under M.G.L. c. 255, s. 13K.

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Facilities                                                 Standards, Procedures,                                    Upon return from a leave longer than 30 days, the
                                                                                                                     tuition rate is adjusted to reflect the rate charged to
                                                                                                                                                                                 from the program. Grades are handed out at regular
                                                                                                                                                                                 intervals throughout the year. Grades are recorded
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            training time lost due to absences; or iii.) to complete
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            required projects. All decisions of the Provost may be
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        the faculty to ensure the curriculum and teaching
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        methods reflect strong professional practices ensuring
SCHOOL FACILITY
                                                           and Student Services                                      new students entering at that time. Note: If a student      monthly on a permanent record card which is retained       appealed to the President, whose decision will be final.    our graduates are well prepared for work.
                                                           Contact the Director of Admissions, Provost, or           does not return from a leave of absence, the standard       in each student’s file. A student may request a copy of
Located in Boston’s historic North End, the School’s
                                                           Director of Student Life & Career Services if you have    Cancellation and Refund Policy will apply.                  this record. Students are graded as follows:
facility includes workshops and classrooms that provide
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Graduation Requirements                                     Student Compliant/
the bench space, equipment, and machinery necessary        questions about standards, procedures, or student
                                                           services.
for the highest quality instruction in each program. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Grievance Procedure
                                                                                                                     MAKE-UP WORK                                                LETTER GRADE
education spaces and admissions, academic, student                                                                   Any make-up work necessary due to absences or                                                                          Candidates for a diploma or certificate must complete
                                                                                                                                                                                 E = Excellent
life, career services, and administrative offices are      ACCREDITATION                                             leave of absence should be coordinated with the                                                                        the entire program curriculum and receive at least          Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission
                                                                                                                                                                                 G = Good                                                   ‘Fair’ (70%) grades in both Performance and Progress.
located within one building making it easy for students    NBSS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission          Department Head.                                                                                                                                                                   of Career Schools and Colleges must have a
to connect with peers, faculty, and staff. A store and     of Career Schools and Colleges. ACCSC is listed                                                                       F = Fair                                                   During the course, students must meet this minimum          procedure and operational plan for handling student
exhibit space provide additional resources for students    with the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally-                                                                P = Poor                                                   standard: at least Poor (60 or 1.0) by the end of the       complaints. If a student does not feel that the School
                                                                                                                     ADVISING
and the public.                                            recognized accrediting agency under the provisions                                                                                                                               first 25%, and Poor + (65 or 1.5) by the midpoint.          has adequately addressed a complaint or concern,
                                                                                                                     Members of the administrative staff are available to        U = Unsatisfactory
                                                           of Chapter 33, Title 38, U.S. Code, and subsequent        students needing assistance with personal, academic,                                                                   The maximum time frame in which a student may               the student may consider contacting the Accrediting
                                                           legislation. Accreditation confirms that NBSS meets                                                                   The monthly letter grades are converted into a GPA                                                                     Commission. All complaints considered by the
CLASSROOMS AND BENCHROOMS                                                                                            vocational, and/or financial problems. Instructors offer                                                               earn a diploma or certificate shall not exceed 1.5 times
                                                           an extensive set of training standards applied to post-                                                               at the end of each enrollment period to be used in                                                                     Commission must be in written form, with permission
The School has one general-purpose classroom with                                                                    regular, informal advising concerning academic and                                                                     the normal duration of the program length. You must
                                                           secondary trade and technical schools throughout the                                                                  SAP evaluations. Students must maintain a GPA of                                                                       from the complainant(s) for the Commission to
a capacity of 60 and a gallery/meeting space with                                                                    employment issues. Referrals for additional assistance                                                                 speak to your instructor about the possibility and
                                                           United States. The ACCSC has a directory which lists                                                                  1.70 or higher in each enrollment period to meet the                                                                   forward a copy of the complaint to the School for a
a capacity of 200. In addition, each program has                                                                     provided by professionals outside the School are made                                                                  requirements of this extension of time. Any time out of
                                                           NBSS and other accredited schools and tuition rates.                                                                  qualitative measurement of SAP.                                                                                        response. The complainant(s) will be kept informed
dedicated space as follows:                                                                                          by the Student Life & Career Services Office.                                                                          class that is the result of withdrawal, leave of absence,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            suspension, or termination will not be counted as part      as to the status of the complaint as well as the final
• Bookbinding has a benchroom with a capacity of 16                                                                                                                              GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)                                                                                              resolution by the Commission.
                                                           STUDENT CONDUCT                                           SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            of the maximum time frame. Students must fulfill
  and two workrooms with a capacity of 10 each.
                                                           Students are expected to behave in a mature,                                                                          E           4.0                                            all obligations to the School, including academic,          Please direct all inquiries to: Accrediting Commission
                                                                                                                     The Provost reviews Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Carpentry has a flexible benchroom/construction          courteous, and considerate fashion at all times.                                                                                                                                 financial, and attendance requirements to receive           of Career Schools & Colleges, 2101 Wilson Blvd.,
                                                                                                                     (SAP) for all enrolled students at the end of each          E-          3.7
  area with capacity of 30 and a machine room with a       Safety is the principal concern of everyone in the                                                                                                                               a diploma or certificate.                                   Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201. You may also contact
                                                                                                                     enrollment period, twice per year. SAP includes a           G+          3.3
  capacity of 15.                                          School community. If a student fails to meet safety                                                                                                                                                                                          703-247-4212 or info@accsc.org. A copy of the
                                                                                                                     quantitative component (attendance) and a qualitative
• Cabinet & Furniture Making has a benchroom               requirements or behaves inappropriately, suspension       component (grades). As grading is performed on a            G           3.0                                                                                                        Commission’s Complaint Form is available at the
  with a capacity of 41, two machine rooms, one
  with a capacity of 13 and one with a capacity of
                                                           or termination may result.                                monthly basis, programs with a 9-month academic
                                                                                                                     year will be assessed for September through January
                                                                                                                                                                                 G-          2.7
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Housing                                                     School by contacting the Provost or at www.accsc.org.
                                                                                                                                                                                 F+          2.3                                                                                                        The School is licensed by the Massachusetts
  20, a finishing room with a capacity of 15, and a        SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION                                and for February through May. Violin Making & Repair                                                                   The Student Life & Career Services Office provides
                                                                                                                                                                                 F           2.0                                                                                                        Division of Professional Licensure’s Office of Private
  demonstration room with a capacity of 25.                A student may be terminated or suspended at               (a 10-month academic year) will be assessed for                                                                        resources to students seeking housing within the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Occupational School Education. Please direct any
                                                           the School’s discretion for the following reasons:        September through January and for February                  F-          1.7                                            greater Boston area. NBSS does not provide housing.
• Locksmithing & Security Technology has two                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            comments, questions, or concerns about the School’s
                                                           unsatisfactory academic progress, excessive absence,      through June.                                               P+          1.3                                                                                                        license to occupational.schools@state.ma.us or 617-
  benchrooms with a capacity of 10 each and a
  classroom with a capacity of 16.                         nonpayment of tuition, failure to comply with School                                                                  P           1.0                                                                                                        727-5811.

• Jewelry Making & Repair has a benchroom with a
                                                           rules and regulations, and unacceptable behavior. No
                                                           tuition refund is granted for the time when a student
                                                                                                                     ATTENDANCE
                                                                                                                                                                                 P-          0.7                                            Parking
                                                                                                                     An attendance record is kept for each student and
  capacity of 26.                                          is suspended. The Cancellation and Refund Policy                                                                      U           0.3                                            Parking is not available on School property.
                                                                                                                     becomes part of the student’s permanent record. All
• Preservation Carpentry has two benchrooms with           applies in the case of terminations. A student may        absences must be excused. Students are expected to                                                                     The School encourages students to use public                Accreditation & Licensing
  a capacity of 13 each and two machine rooms, one         appeal a suspension or termination in writing to the      phone the School on the day of an absence. Students                                                                    transportation (subway, buses, and commuter rail)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        North Bennet Street School is accredited by the
                                                           President of the School for final determination. After                                                                                                                           which is easily accessible to the School. Monthly
  with a capacity of 8 and one with a capacity of 13.
                                                           termination a student may be readmitted to a program
                                                                                                                     must maintain attendance of 85% or higher for
                                                                                                                     enrollment periods in the first half of their program
                                                                                                                                                                                 Academic Probation                                         parking at nearby garages is also available.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and
• Basic Piano Technology has a general classroom
  with a capacity of 16, a work area with capacity of
                                                           if there is room and there is evidence of positive        (midpoint). After the midpoint, students must               and Appeals                                                                                                            Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is a recognized
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of
                                                           change in the conditions which caused the termination.    maintain cumulative attendance of 90% or higher
  16, and 16 individual tuning rooms with a capacity                                                                                                                             A student who receives an “Unsatisfactory” monthly                                                                     Education and dedicated to ensuring educational
  of 2 each.
                                                           WITHDRAWAL
                                                                                                                     through the completion of the program.                      grade or who fails to meet the minimum performance
                                                                                                                                                                                 grade for graduation (above) will be notified in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Student Services                                            quality and integrity in America’s postsecondary
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        career schools. Visit accsc.org, or contact them by
• Advanced Piano Technology has both a workroom                                                                      Students in Violin Making & Repair must maintain
                                                           Students should carefully consider leaving school                                                                     writing. A student whose grades are “Unsatisfactory”       Students who are interested in leadership                   phone at 703.247.4212 or mail at ACCSC, 2101 Wilson
  and a machine room, each with a capacity of 12.                                                                    attendance of 85% or higher for enrollment periods in
                                                           before a program is completed. The School cannot                                                                      for more than one month beyond being informed              opportunities, referrals to community, health, and          Boulevard #302, Arlington, VA 22201.
                                                                                                                     the first academic year. After the first academic year,
• Violin Making & Repair has a benchroom with a            hold a place for a student who withdraws; therefore,                                                                  of unsatisfactory performance will be subject to           wellness resources can contact the Director of
                                                                                                                     these students must maintain cumulative attendance                                                                                                                                 NBSS is licensed by the Massachusetts Division
  capacity of 13, a machine room with a capacity of 6,     students who withdraw may not be able to return to                                                                    termination. A student whose grades do not meet the        Student Life & Career Services.
                                                                                                                     of 90% or higher through the completion of the                                                                                                                                     of Professional Licensure’s Office of Private
  and a finishing room with a capacity of 13.              school. A student must inform the School in writing       program.                                                    minimum standard will also be subject to dismissal.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Occupational School Education. Contact them at
                                                           of their intention to withdraw and will be responsible                                                                A student who is subject to termination for
                                                                                                                     Attendance is tracked on a daily basis including tardies.                                                                                                                          occupational.schools@state.ma.us or 617-727-5811.
                                                           for expenses in accordance with the School’s Refund
                                                           Policy.                                                   Excused absences, unexcused absences, and tardies
                                                                                                                                                                                 unsatisfactory grades may appeal in writing to the
                                                                                                                                                                                 Provost for a probationary period during which they
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Employment Assistance
Information Sessions                                                                                                 will be included on the Student’s transcript. Tardies are   will be allowed to attain passing grades. Such an          NBSS does not guarantee job placement, but does
                                                                                                                     converted on a 3:1 ratio (3 tardies = 1 absence).           appeal will be considered on the basis of illness, death   provide students and graduates assistance in finding
Information Sessions are scheduled regularly and           LEAVE OF ABSENCE
include a general overview, introduction to the full-      A student is expected to complete the program                                                                         in the family, or other unusual circumstances beyond       employment. The Director of Student Life & Career
time programs, information on the application process      as scheduled. When unusual and unanticipated                                                                          the student’s control.                                     Services works with students on resumes and job
and financial aid, and ample time to ask questions.        circumstances require interruption of the normal          Grading and Records                                         During this probationary period the student must
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            search skills and plans. The School manages an
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            online Job Board and Commission referral process
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a non-profit organization, NBSS receives generous
View the schedule of Information Sessions online:          schedule, a student may request a leave of absence                                                                                                                                                                                           support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council,
nbss.edu/admissions.                                                                                                 Students are graded on Performance, Progress, and           attain satisfactory grades each month. A student will      for students and alumni. Faculty and staff network
                                                           in writing. At the discretion of the School, a student                                                                                                                                                                                       private foundations, and individual donors.
                                                                                                                     Effort each month. The Performance grade is based           be reinstated to full status after they have received      with potential employers through participation in
                                                           may be granted leave for a period of up to 30 days.
                                                                                                                     on assigned practical projects and written tests. The       satisfactory grades for two consecutive months.            professional organizations, trade shows, and other
                                                           Normally, only one leave is considered during a
                                                                                                                     Progress grade is based on overall effort, speed,                                                                      networks. Each program department has an active
                                                           program. If a student must withdraw from a program                                                                    A student may appeal in writing to the Provost for an
                                                                                                                     and advancement. The Effort grade is based on                                                                          advisory committee that includes professionals in the
                                                           for a period longer than 30 days, they may apply for                                                                  extension of training: i.) to bring monthly grades to
                                                                                                                     attendance and commitment to gaining the most                                                                          field. The Program Advisory Committee works with
                                                           readmission when an opening is available.                                                                             “Fair” (70%) for receipt of a diploma; ii.) to make up

38   n o r th b e n n e t s tr e e t sc h oo l                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               39
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